Extraverted and introverted assistants : Differences in and the importance of downward feedback
Murphy, Miia (2021)
2021
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https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202102272746
https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202102272746
Tiivistelmä
This thesis studies the differences in and the importance of downward feedback for extraverted and introverted assistants, in an attempt to find out what meaning downward feedback holds for extraverted and introverted assistants, whether there are differences in this, as well as how they prefer to receive downward feedback.
The theoretical framework treats extraversion-introversion and its various definitions and common traits, downward feedback, and the superior-assistant relationship and its characteristics, and briefly the role of an assistant who works in an office environment.
The study was conducted using the qualitative research method, namely through interviewing. There were four interviewees, two of them extraverted assistants and two introverted assistants. The interviews were semi-structured and thematic.
The results were analyzed through coding, pattern finding and comparing and contrasting the responses of the interviewees, and this material was gathered into theme cards.
The main findings of the study were that downward feedback was seen as very important by both extraverted and introverted assistants, for the reason that it allows them to improve their job performance as well as feel that their work is meaningful, and that they were appreciated as employees. Feedback was preferred to be received orally and in person, with a balance of positive and constructive but timely feedback. The main difference was found in the setting: the extraverted assistants preferred to receive constructive feedback in private but did not mind receiving positive feedback when an audience was present, whilst introverted assistants preferred to receive both positive and constructive feedback in private.
The theoretical framework treats extraversion-introversion and its various definitions and common traits, downward feedback, and the superior-assistant relationship and its characteristics, and briefly the role of an assistant who works in an office environment.
The study was conducted using the qualitative research method, namely through interviewing. There were four interviewees, two of them extraverted assistants and two introverted assistants. The interviews were semi-structured and thematic.
The results were analyzed through coding, pattern finding and comparing and contrasting the responses of the interviewees, and this material was gathered into theme cards.
The main findings of the study were that downward feedback was seen as very important by both extraverted and introverted assistants, for the reason that it allows them to improve their job performance as well as feel that their work is meaningful, and that they were appreciated as employees. Feedback was preferred to be received orally and in person, with a balance of positive and constructive but timely feedback. The main difference was found in the setting: the extraverted assistants preferred to receive constructive feedback in private but did not mind receiving positive feedback when an audience was present, whilst introverted assistants preferred to receive both positive and constructive feedback in private.